Bachelor of Arts, Cultural Studies

Bachelor of Arts, Cultural Studies

Cultural studies majors at NNU provide students with a broad, functional understanding of inter-cultural communication and the comparative study of culture. Whereas the discipline of Cultural Studies has evolved out of literary and critical theory, the Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Studies at NNU is distinctive in its emphasis of cross-cultural understanding, inter-cultural communication, and bridging cultural gaps through dialogue and critical self-reflection. Cultural studies at NNU draws on other departmental areas of expertise to meet our learning objectives. Specifically, cultural studies majors acquire knowledge of inter- and intra-personal processes, statistics, and research design through psychology. Optional Spanish language study, cross-cultural field experiences locally and abroad, and exposure to Spanish and Latin American cultures also provide students with opportunities for applied study and research.

In addition to their learning of important theoretical framework and approaches in sociology and cultural studies, major students will acquire a number of practical, inter-cultural skills. Students will gain cultural competence in part through their understanding of social, political, religious, economic, and other cultural practices. They will also learn about epistemology, applied sociology, and cultural anthropology.

Graduates of this emphasis will be able to conduct ethnographic and statistical research and understand research methods in cultural studies and sociology. (Academic Excellence)

Graduates of this emphasis will be able to critically and thoughtfully analyze social issues from a variety of perspectives, and will demonstrate comprehensive understanding of ethnicity, social aspects of religion, gender, and class. (Creative Engagement and Social Responsiveness)

Graduates of this emphasis and general education students will be able to use a variety of information technologies to research topics in the literature of related fields. (Academic Excellence)

Graduates of this emphasis and general education students will be able to identify the major theoretical perspectives and contributors to the discipline. (Academic Excellence)

Graduates of this emphasis and general education students will reflect critically on their own cultural values and traditions. Graduates will learn to compare and contrast their own cultures with those studied throughout the major program. (Social Responsiveness, Creative Engagement, Christlike Character)

Requirements: 53-55 credits: 24 core credits of which 15 shall be numbered above 2999; the requirements for one area of emphasis (29-31 credits); and the cultural immersion experience for major students